CEO Australian Liquor Marketers, Chris Baddock retires

Liquor Metcash (ASX: MTS) has announced today that the CEO of the Liquor division, Australian Liquor Marketers, Chris Baddock, is retiring from his position due to health reasons.

During his tenure since joining Metcash in 2019, Baddock has presided over remarkable growth in the Liquor division, with sales surging by nearly 40% over the past three years.

This growth has been evident across all key aspects of the business, encompassing sales to both retail and on-premise customers, as well as in the development of owned and exclusive brands.

Baddock is stepping down at a time when the business is well-prepared for sustained success, leaving behind a notable legacy that includes a successful growth strategy and an experienced, highly engaged management team highly regarded by the company's customers and suppliers.

To fill the void, John Barakat, currently the Liquor division's General Manager of Merchandise and Operations, will assume leadership of the Liquor team while the company conducts an extensive search for a suitable successor. This search will consider both internal and external candidates.

Baddock has plans for a four-month hiatus and will subsequently take up a part-time advisory role at Metcash, contributing to the continued growth and prosperity of the Liquor division.

Metcash Group CEO, Doug Jones, expressed gratitude for Chris's substantial contributions to the Liquor division and Metcash as a whole, extending well wishes for a full recovery. Jones also welcomed Baddock's continued involvement in an advisory capacity, aligning with their shared commitment to championing successful independent businesses.

Jones said: “Chris has made a significant contribution to the Liquor pillar and Metcash more broadly, and the Board and I sincerely thank him for his efforts and wish him all the best for a full recovery.  I am pleased to have Chris on board in an advisory capacity as we work together towards our purpose of Championing Successful Independents, a purpose that I know Chris is a strong proponent of.” 

This announcement is authorised for release by the Board of Directors of Metcash Limited.